An unfortunate event in the lead-up to Christmas occurred early this morning in the Labrador community of Sheshatshiu, as fire destroyed a residential home.

Local RCMP officers received a call at approximately 2:20 a.m. informing them of the fire on Mackenzie Street. Members of the local Sheshatshiu fire department also responded to the incident, but were unable to save the home.

According to an RCMP fire investigator, the fire started in a back bedroom of the home, though the exact cause remains unknown as of Saturday afternoon. The fire remains under investigation.

A man was treated at Labrador Health Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay for minor burns and has since been released.